Smith & Wesson 28-2 Highway Patrolman.357 Magnum. This Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman is a 6 shot double action revolver in.357 Magnum Cal. It has a 4 inch barrel. A raised blade front sight and an adjustable notch rear sight. The g.Click for more info. Actually, it is a five screw. The fifth screw is forward of the trigger guard. It is a pre- model 36, Chief's Special, flat latch. Manufactured starting 1951, fifth screw eliminated in 1953. The serial number range is in the first two years of production. Information from Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson. Jun 29, 2007 The S&W Model 28 'The Highway Patrolman' was produced c. 1954 - 1986 with 8,427 manufactured the first year. There were several variations. The prefix of N was added in 1969. The numbers inside.
The s/n will appear on the gun in other places, but the prefix may not be on those other places.
You can look at the inside of the right grip panel to see what is stamped there (assuming the grips are original). Also, push the extractor star all the way out, as if you are ejecting spent shells, and look at the underside surface of the star, there should be a number there.
The problem with these later guns is that they may have the prefix imbedded within the s/n (example 5D12345), is that in the places - other than the butt - you may see these number show us as 512345, especially the grips, they normally didn't stamp the alpha letter, either as a prefix or imbedded number.
The older the gun, the possiblity exists for the s/n to appear in more places, for instance on the underside of the barrel (the flat area that is covered from view if the cylinder is closed, swing out the cylinder and look there, I doubt this gun has it there, it appears too late), also check the crane, on the surface that faces the cylinder, you may need to look through the cylinder with a flashlight to see it, or dissassembly may be required.
Good luck
SOLD FOR: $1050
LSB#: 210304CP02
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2 ‘The Highway Patrolman’
Serial Number: S285903
Year of Manufacture: 1966-1967
Caliber: .357 Magnum & .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “.357 / CTG.”, “HIGHWAY / PATROLMAN”, the side plate is marked with the S&W trademark monogram, the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: Nominal 6”, Pinned. Actual Length 5 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on the solid rib; the rise in the rib is serrated for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops, diamonds around the screw escutcheons, and a football cut. The grips just behind the trigger guard have had material removed to match the contour of the trigger guard. There are a few light spots of thinning and a few small spots of finish loss. The top of the right panel is slightly proud to the frame. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The right side of the front sight riser has a small mark through the finis. The cylinder has a faint turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has almost no play on each of the six chambers with the trigger depressed. The double-action is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Smith And Wesson Model 28 Serial Numbers Date Of Manufacture
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching blue box with metal reinforced corners. The box has numerous tears and has numerous patches of surface material loss, in about Good condition.
Smith And Wesson Model 28 Highway Patrolman Serial Numbers
Our Assessment: The Model 28, also known as the Highway Patrolman, traces its heritage back to the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The Registered Magnum morphed into the Model 27. The Model 28 is unusual in that Smith & Wesson removed, rather than added, features to the Model 27 to create it, in order to reduce production costs with no reduction in utility. A classic N frame revolver, the Highway Patrolman is blued, but it is not polished, saving labor costs. The top strap and frame rounds are bead blasted to achieve a matte appearance. In the late 1940s and the first part of the 1950s Smith & Wesson was the only American gun company manufacturing a .357 magnum revolver. Since this relatively deluxe model was the only revolver available for this cartridge at the time, police departments, as well as individual officers and private shooters, requested from Smith & Wesson a more strictly utilitarian “budget” .357 magnum revolver. S&W responded with the Highway Patrolman (later renamed the Model 28 in 1957). The manufacturing changes made for a more affordable revolver, though mechanically the Highway Patrolman is the same as the more ornate Model 27. The Model 28 was in production from 1954 through 1986. For most of its production run, it was a steady seller with both police officers and civilian shooters. This 6″ example is in about Excellent condition and would make a great shooter or addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!